Weekly Newlsetter

Dear Friends,
 
Our Shul has been asked to help provide the community with Kosher food at this MP's event. 
 
Your participation will be an important step in helping to develop our Shul community's connections and networking with local Jewish families. 
 
Looking forward to seeing you!
 
Thank you,
 
Rabbi Yosef Sanders

We look forward to greeting you this Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening! If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org or phone 905-709-7485 (SHUL).

SHABBAT EVE - Friday Night Candle Lighting & Services
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services
7:25 PM Earliest Candle Lighting
8:41 PM Latest Candle Lighting

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit (Morning Service)
9:35 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Torah Reading and Insights
10:30 AM Junior Kids Program Ages 2-5
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
12:00 PM Kiddush

SHABBAT EVENING

8:00 PM Mincha (Afternoon Service)
Followed by Seuda Shlishit (Third Meal of Shabbat)

9:40 PM MA'ARIV (Evening Service)

HAVDALAH
Shabbat Ends July 13, 9:53 PM

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message: G-d's Laws: Nature or Nurture?
Kiddush Comments: "Rock"et Science

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
NCSY LEARN & EARN PROGRAM FOR TEENS

"TIMELESS WISDOM" HOME GROUP • TBA

TORAH READING 
Celebrate the  Anniversary of your Bar Mitzvah by reading your Torah reading and/or Haftorah. To reserve,please email us at office@countryshul.org or call 905-709-SHUL (7485).

This Week in The Country Shul...

THANK YOU...
...to Avraham Cawthorpe and Bentzy Krokocki for dedicatingthemselves to re-constructing our Sukkah! This was a gift of many hours of labour, and much fresh lumber! Many thanks to you, and may Hashem send you much Bracha in kind!

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!
See Flyer Below

JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: THIS SHABBAT, JUNE 29! Ages 2-5 
• Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

MITZVAH RIDDLE OF THE WEEK
Q: What is the Bracha, Blessing, that is said only once per month, and only in the first half of the month?

SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS, TO BE PUBLISHED IN NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER!

​​​​​​​ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S MITZVAH RIDDLE
Q: In Birkat haMazon of a special day, such as Shabbat, a Festival, or Rosh Chodesh, we add a section highlighting these days. Why is it that if one forgets to do so, on Shabbat and Festivals, one repeats Birkat haMazon, whereas on Rosh Chodesh, one need not repeat Birkat haMazon?

A: The festive Se'udot, meals, on Chagim and Shabbat, are actually full-fledged Mitzvot in their own right. Thus the Birkat haMazon, Grace after Meals, carries an obligatory mention of the day. Se'udat Rosh Chodesh does not have an actual, ordained Mitzvah, thus the added mention of the day is not as significant.   

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY
 
The recent celebrations of the birth of two great North American democracies ask us to reflect on democracy from a Jewish perspective. 
 
We must be forever grateful for the opportunities and for the doors opened for Jews on these shores, and the support the Jewish community receives, until this day!

Citizens of democracy tend to embrace this very moral way of governing as an end unto itself. Aaahhh... the heady air of freedom; the liberty to select our own choices!

We must recognize that it is more properly viewed as a means - a very important and basic means - but still, only as a means unto an end, where the end is the entire purpose towards which we focus the means.
 
The freedom and liberty to live our lives as we wish grants us a unique opportunity to preserve, strengthen, deepen, and enhance cherished customs and practices that are timeless in essence and priceless in value!
 
In times gone by, when challenged physically, the Jews showed amazing stamina and emerged from the darkest of times with the uncanny skillset to rebuild what was lost and re-ignite the love affair between the the Jew and his religion.
 
Modern times created rights for self-determination denied historically to the Jew, but this in itself proves to be our greatest test. To continue to connect to our heritage when we are free to associate with whomever and whatever we choose is the reality of the current battle of the soul that the Jewish people finds itself in. 
 
 We must grab the gifts that democracy affords us and use them to re-connect our nation, reaching and nourishing one precious Neshama, treasured soul, at a time!
 
Shabbat Shalom, 
 
Yosef Sanders

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

SHABBAT EVE - Friday Night Candle Lighting & Services
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services
7:28 PM Earliest Candle Lighting
8:46 PM Latest Candle Lighting

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit (Morning Service)
9:27 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Insights to the Torah Reading
10:25 AM Torah Reading
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
12:00 PM Kiddush
8:00 PM Mincha (Afternoon Service)

9:40 PM MA'ARIV (Evening Service)

HAVDALAH
Shabbat Ends June 29, 9:59 PM

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message: The Promised Land 
Kiddush Comments: Fringe Benefits

TORAH READING 
To reserve your Bar Mitzvah Torah reading, Bar Mitzvah Haftara, or any other reading, please email us at office@countryshul.org
We look forward to greeting you on Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening! If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org or phone 905-709-7485

This Week in The Country Shul...

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!
See Flyer Below

JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: THIS SHABBAT, JUNE 29! Ages 2-5 
• Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org

"TIMELESS WISDOM" HOME GROUP • TBA

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

Answers to last week's Mitzvah Riddle:
Q: What is the significant difference between the Menorah in the Temple and our Chanukah Menorah, and why?

ANSWER:  There are a number of differences between the Menorah in the Temple vs our Chanukah Menorah. To name a few: Seven lamps vs eight, fabricated from gold vs any material, flames "facing" the centre vs our flames that "face" the viewer; and lamps lit all night vs our Chanukah lights that last until half an hour after dark. 

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

The Origins of Antisemitism
 
The ringing tones of "VaYehi Bin'so'a Ha'Aron" escort the Torah from the Ark
each week. 
 
The wording, though is curious:
 
"When the Ark traveled, Moshe said: 
 
'Rise, O G-d, and let Your enemies be scattered..." 
 
Why is the first focus on enemies?! 
 
It would seem that the very act of the Ark coming forth generates an opposition force. 
 
This is because the Torah asks Man, in all his physicality, to pursue Holiness. The Mitzvah program that G-d designed nourishes and develops the Neshama, the soul, and the body, at least initially, perceives this as coming at its expense. 
 
There is thus a natural resistance that must be overcome in order to begin the journey that ultimately brings us to bask in the glow of the Shechina, the Divine Presence. 
 
So as the Ark comes forward, it meets challengers. Those who fiercely insist Man cannot possibly be holy! 
 
Moshe discloses the formula for successfully overcoming this issue: Rise, O G-d, and let Your enemies be scattered! 
 
When the forces that represent Him rise, and are engaged; when Israel is determined to stand proud and follow His Mitzvot, we will ultimately vanquish the enemy. 
 
Shabbat Shalom! 

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

Friday June 21, 8:45 PM

HAVDALAH
Motzei Shabbat June 22, 9:59 PM

SHABBAT EVE - Friday night
8:45 PM Shabbat Candle lighting
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit
9:27 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Insights to the Torah Reading
10:25 AM Torah Reading
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
11:30 AM Mussaf
12:00 PM Kiddush is sponsored by the Shul
8:15 PM Mincha

9:40 PM MA'ARIV

9:59 PM Havdalah   

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message : Designed to Party! 
Kiddush Comments: When the Cup Runneth Over

TORAH READING 
To reserve your Bar Mitzvah Torah reading, Bar Mitzvah Haftara, or any other reading, please email us at office@countryshul.org
We look forward to greeting you on Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening!
If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org
Want to host an Oneg? Friday Night Oneg hosting available

This Week in The Country Shul...

WELCOME AGAIN!
... to Gabe and Estee Bredin- Enjoy the rest of your stay!

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!

JUNIOR JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:00 AM • JUNE 10: 10:30 AM Ages 2-5 
• NEW SCHEDULING! • This Group will meet monthly, on Shabbat Mevarchim • Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org
"TIMELESS WISDOM FOR TURBULENT TIMES" HOME GROUP 
We meet most Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, and explore timely topics. Exact time and day will be emailed early next week. Please contact office@countryshul.org to be added to the Home Group mailing list. Looking forward to seeing you!

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

CREATE A FAMILY SHULCLOUD ACCOUNT
Go to our new website www.countryshul.org . Click on 'New User' at top right corner to create your account.

NEW WEBSITE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
For $100/month your name and a link to the business or organization you would like to promote will be displayed prominently at the top of our website. Contact us at office@countryshul.org  if interested.

WELCOME TO RICHMOND HILL + CHESSED OPPORTUNITIES!
JIAS Toronto is looking for female volunteer(s), to meet with two Yazidi refugee sisters on a monthly basis. The sisters are in their late 20s and live in Richmond Hill. The volunteer would help them get oriented to their neighbourhood and the GTA generally. Some ideas of activities include taking them to the local public library or to hear some music in their neighbourhood. That said, it’s really flexible, depending on the volunteer’s interests and ideas. Please contact Rachel Levy Phone: 416-630-6481 ext. 5435 if you are able to assist.

Answers to last week's Mitzvah Riddle:
Q: The Ten Commandments were inscribed on a set of saphire Tablets. How many Tablets were given to the Jews at Sinai when they accepted the Torah?

ANSWER:  None. The Ten Commandments were given at Sinai on Shavu'ot, not the Tablets (apologies to Charleston Heston). Moses ascended Sinai the day after Shavu'ot and spent the next 40 days studying the Oral Torah. On the 40th day, he came down with the Tablets, only to break them at the sight of the Golden Calf. A second set was hewn and finally delivered on Yom Kippur.

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

Dear Congregants,

Some time ago, Jason Alexander arranged an all - day seminar for the Seinfeld series crew to better understand the Jewish underpinnings of the show. Rabbis were flown in from New York, and a spirited day - long presentation was attended by a crowd of 750.

Three weeks later, one of the Rabbis in Brooklyn received a call from L. A. The secretary informed him that a certain Mr Larry David was on the line. 
"Rabbi, let me be clear: I hate Rabbis! I have never had anything Jewish in my life, and married a Jewish woman simply by accident.
 "But I have a few questions, and I'd like to know if you'll be in town in the near future."
Rabbi Daniel Mechanic replied that he just happened to be coming into town the following day, hung up the phone, and called his travel agent.
The next day, in Pat's Kosher Restaurant on Pico Boulevard, 150 sets of eyebrows rose as Rabbi D. and Larry D. made their way to a quiet table in the back. "Rabbi, can you prove God exists?". 
"Larry, can you prove He doesn't?" 
"Rabbi, don't play games with me! Does He exist or not?"
 
"Larry, can you prove He doesn't?!" 
 
"If I'm wrong, I'm still in pretty good shape! I've tried to live properly, helping and not harming others, and the biggest downside is I've experienced a few festive Shabbat dinners with family and friends. But you'd better be pretty sure He doesn't exist, Larry, because if you're wrong, you could be in trouble!"
 
The Rabbi went on to detail a talk he gave at a Princeton University course in comparative religion. Asking for the students' understanding of the world religions, their response was quick and  in coming: Basically, one man has an experience with God, and comes back and tells everybody else, either follow me or we will ransack your village and build a pogrom!
 
Apparently, the Princeton U professor had bought the television version of the Ten Commandments (!), where Charleston Heston, acting as Moses, brings the Tablets down from Mt Sinai and presents them to the Jewish People. 
 
Rabbi D showed them clear verses in the Torah demonstrating that Judaism is built upon the eyewitness testimony of three million people receiving the Ten Commandments at Sinai. 
 
The punchline? 
 
A Chinese student's comment:
 
"Is the world out there aware of all this?!" 
 
Shabbat Shalom, 
 
Yosef S 

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

SHABBAT & SHAVU'OT SCHEDULE:

CANDLE LIGHTING
Friday, June 7:     8:39 PM (Light a 24-hr candle to light from tomorrow night)
Saturday, June 8: 9:53 PM (Light a 24-hr candle to light from tomorrow night)
Sunday, June 9:   9:54 PM
HAVDALAH
Monday, June 10: 9:54 PM

SHABBAT EVE - Friday night
8:39 PM Shabbat Candle lighting
6:50 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday, June 8   
9:00 AM Shacharit
9:26 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Insights to the Torah Reading
10:25 AM Torah Reading
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
11:30 AM Mussaf
12:00 PM Kiddush
8:00 PM Mincha

SHAVU'OT SCHEDULE:

FIRST NIGHT: SATURDAY, JUNE 8
9:30 PM: Maariv
9:54 PM Earliest Kiddush, Candlelighting, & 1st Night YomTov Prep
12:00 - 2:00AM Night Learning: At the Shul, 9225 Bathurst
Topics: What's in God's Prayer? / Stump the Rabbi  / The Blueprint of Judaism
FIRST DAY: SUNDAY, JUNE 9
9:30 AM: Shacharit
9:26 AM: Latest Sh'ma
10:45 AM: Akdamut
11:00 AM: Ten Commandments
Cheesecake Kiddush Following!

Mincha/Maariv Scheduling TBA

SECOND NIGHT: SUNDAY, JUNE 9  
9:54 PM Earliest Kiddush, Candlelighting, & 2nd Night YomTov Prep

SECOND DAY: MONDAY, JUNE 10
9:00 AM: Shacharit
9:26 AM: Latest Sh'ma
10:00 AM: Book Of Ruth
10:20 AM: Yetziv Pisgam
11:00 AM: YIZKOR
11:20 AM: Mussaf
Cheesecake Kiddush Following!

8:00 PM Mincha

9:45 PM MA'ARIV 

9:54 PM Havdalah   

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message : Sinai Then and Now 
Kiddush Comments:  With One Heart  

TORAH READING 
To reserve your Bar Mitzvah Torah reading, Bar Mitzvah Haftara, or any other reading, please email us at office@countryshul.org
We look forward to greeting you on Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening!
If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org
Want to host an Oneg? Friday Night Oneg hosting available

This Week in The Country Shul...   

• KIDDUSH, FIRST DAY SHAVU'OT is graciously hosted by Irina and Alex Chapkis!
• KIDDUSH, SECOND DAY SHAVU'OT is graciously hosted by Mindy and Rob Benchetrit in memory of Ya'ish ben Mis'od. May the Neshama have an Aliyah!

MAZELTOV!
... to Fariba and Javid Zarrinnia upon the engagement of their daughter, Roseanna! May they build a true and successful Bayit Ne'eman b'Simcha!
...to Malka and Abe Moses upon the birth of their new grandson, born to Ruth and David! May he be ushered into his Brit Ne'eman and grow strong in every way, until 120!

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!

JUNIOR JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:00 AM • JUNE 10: 10:30 AM Ages 2-5 
• NEW SCHEDULING! • This Group will meet monthly, on Shabbat Mevarchim • Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 9: 11:30 AM • JUNE 10: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org
"TIMELESS WISDOM FOR TURBULENT TIMES" HOME GROUP 
We meet most Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, and explore timely topics. Exact time and day will be emailed early next week. Please contact office@countryshul.org to be added to the Home Group mailing list. Looking forward to seeing you!

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

CREATE A FAMILY SHULCLOUD ACCOUNT
Go to our new website www.countryshul.org . Click on 'New User' at top right corner to create your account.

NEW WEBSITE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
For $100/month your name and a link to the business or organization you would like to promote will be displayed prominently at the top of our website. Contact us at office@countryshul.org  if interested.

WELCOME TO RICHMOND HILL + CHESSED OPPORTUNITIES!
JIAS Toronto is looking for female volunteer(s), to meet with two Yazidi refugee sisters on a monthly basis. The sisters are in their late 20s and live in Richmond Hill. The volunteer would help them get oriented to their neighbourhood and the GTA generally. Some ideas of activities include taking them to the local public library or to hear some music in their neighbourhood. That said, it’s really flexible, depending on the volunteer’s interests and ideas. Please contact Rachel Levy Phone: 416-630-6481 ext. 5435 if you are able to assist.

Answers to last week's Mitzvah Riddle:
Q: Does God pray, and if so, what does He pray for? 
 
ANSWER: The Talmud says that God prays that His Attribute of Mercy should overpower all other considerations and reign supreme!

Michtav MeEliyahu explains that the essence of Man is his innermost, burning desire; this explains the Talmudic opinion identifying Man as "One who prays", as it can be said that Man by nature is a being that carries a constant ambition, a constant pursuit, and thus prayer, in his heart.

The Kabbalistic works teach that God desired to do Chessed, lovingkindness, and thus created the world in order to offer benefit to its inhabitants. At the most basic level, our very existence is His Chessed at work, bestowing upon us the gift of life. They teach, however, that His ultimate kindness is in the granting of reward in Heaven, which is greatest of all!

​​​​​​​We can thus interpret the Talmud's statement that God prays. If Chessed is, indeed, God's purpose in creating His signature Masterpiece, then He can be said to carry a prayer in His heart: that Mercy triumph over all else, allowing Him to mete out great reward to His subjects!

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

Dear Congregants, 
 
I was once asked the following question:
We always hear that Shabbat is a day of rest. But you, Rabbi, hike two miles to Shul, sweating away in this heat! Isn’t that a lot of work?!
My response was that, actually, it’s a bit inaccurate to describe the acts prohibited on Shabbat as “work”. Shabbat is not simply a rest from working; presumably the concept of rest existed before Shabbat, as the portion of Creation that typically rests surely did so before Shabbat as well. Rather, Shabbat is a more intense connection with the energy of the Neshama, the soul, and the acts prohibited are those that would generate static interference with this connection.
On a deeper level, it is said that the main root of one’s Neshama remains in Heaven, and only a small section filters down onto our planet. Man is a combination of body and soul, and the body forms a barrier between the soul on Earth and the soul residing in the Heavens. For those who have conquered the body’s demanding temptations, such as Moses, this barrier is gone, and there is a free flow between the upper Neshama and the lower Neshama. Shabbat’s restriction on the body’s acts of interference with the Neshama similarly diminishes the strength of the barrier, allowing us to connect with ourselves in a more powerful way, by connecting with the main root of our very own Neshama in Heaven.
This is perhaps the meaning of the mystical teaching that on Shabbat we experience “Neshama Yeteira”, an “extra” Neshama. According to the above explanation, it is actually a deeper part of our own Neshama that we unite with on Shabbat!
 
Shabbat Shalom, and Chag Same'ach!

From the desk of Rabbi Sanders:

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted-in to receive the RHCS Newsletters.

(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

(Please see answers for last week's Mitzvah Riddle below.)(SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS, TO BE PUBLISHED IN NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER!) Please scroll down for last week's answers below.) 

SHABBAT SCHEDULE:

CANDLE LIGHTING

Friday May 31, 8:34 PM

HAVDALAH
Motzei Shabbat June 1, 9:47 PM

SHABBAT EVE - Friday night
8:34 PM Shabbat Candle lighting
7:00 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat "Carlebach" Evening services

SHABBAT DAY - Saturday   
9:00 AM Shacharit
9:27 AM Latest Sh'ma
10:15 AM Insights to the Torah Reading
10:25 AM Torah Reading
10:30 AM Alternative Minyan  (for those interested in a more casual Shul experience)
11:00 AM Amazing Kids Program! (Ages 6-13)
11:15 AM Rabbi's Message
11:30 AM Mussaf
12:00 PM Kiddush
7:45 PM Mincha

9:35 PM MA'ARIV

THIS WEEK'S TORAH TOPICS:
Rabbi's Message : Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk
Kiddush Comments: Happy Birthday Zach! 

TORAH READING 
To reserve your Bar Mitzvah Torah reading, Bar Mitzvah Haftara, or any other reading, please email us at office@countryshul.org
We look forward to greeting you on Shabbat! Guests are always welcome!
Please make an extra effort to join us in welcoming Shabbat on Friday Evening!
If you have any questions regarding Services, email us at office@countryshul.org
Want to host an Oneg? Friday Night Oneg hosting available

This Week in The Country Shul...   

• CS/NCSY Learn'n'Earn Youth Program
Please see attached flyer and contact Rabbi Mark Rose, rabbimark@ncsy.ca, to attend the weekly Learn 'n' Earn event. Teenagers ages 12-18 earn cash! Refreshments served!

Mazeltov!
....to Jonathan Siegel, who won a Challah Cover at the Lag ba'Omer Raffle! 
....to Abe and Malka Moses, who won A Gift Certificate to Dr. Laffa!
....to Klara and Daki Zaza, who won a Shabbat Lamp! Enjoy!
....to THE COUNTRY SHUL upon the signing of the contract for the Torah Scroll Scribing Campaign! Thank you to the anonymous donor!

THANK YOU!
... to the Sponsors of the Lag ba'Omer Raffle Prizes:
-  Challah Cover donated by Eugene Kuritski, owner of Your Holy Land Store, 9200 Bathurst Street, unit #16, Vaughan, ON L4J 8W1. 289-597-2446
- Gift certificate donated by Dr. Laffa, 441 Clark Avenue West. #15, Thornhill, On. L4J 6W7. 905-597-7072 
- Shabbat Lamp donated by Isaac Elnekave, owner of the Israeli Source, 60 Doncaster Ave #1, Thornhill, ON L3T 1L5, 905-482-2025
... to Dr Jonathan Siegel for his
presentation of Shamai's Smile at the Lag ba'Omer Celebration!                      .... to Mr Malcolm Austin for the installation of our mailbox!

Kiddush this week is hosted by Rena and Shimon Ochs in honour of Zachary's Fourth Birthday! Mazeltov Zach, and have a great year! 

ALTERNATIVE MINYAN PROGRAM
A more relaxed Shul option; insights into the prayers, topics of interest, and 'Ask the Rabbi'!

JUNIOR JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 1: JUNIOR KIDS PROGRAM: JUNE 1: 10:30 AM-12:00 PM Ages 2-5 
• NEW SCHEDULING! • This Group will meet monthly, on Shabbat Mevarchim • Children sing selections from the Siddur, enjoy stories from the Torah, and have a Shabbat Party with Kiddush and Challah! Join the fun!

AMAZING KIDS PROGRAM: 11:00 AM Ages 6 - 13
Loads of fun while at the same time very educational, for ages 6-12, led by a multi-talented and experienced teacher, Shabbat morning @11:00 AM. (Available at no charge).

HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE CONTINUES...
In private! Please inquire at rabbi@countryshul.org
"TIMELESS WISDOM FOR TURBULENT TIMES" HOME GROUP 
We meet most Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, and explore timely topics. Exact time and day will be emailed early next week. Please contact office@countryshul.org to be added to the Home Group mailing list. Looking forward to seeing you!

HOME GROUP HOSTING OPPORTUNITY:

The Country Shul is committed to serving the Jewish Community by offering authentic Family Services, Jewish Study, Holiday celebrations, and social events, all in a comfortable and joyous setting. Your dedications directly support this undertaking! Please consider one or more of the following: • Stained Glass Design for the Twelve Tribes & the Tablets/Ten Commandments adorning the Ark is now completed!

• Dedicate a Tribe, Tablet, or Lion in the name of your family or loved one for $100.00 per month! To customize your own dedication plan, or for more info, please contact us at office@countryshul.org. 

CREATE A FAMILY SHULCLOUD ACCOUNT
Go to our new website www.countryshul.org . Click on 'New User' at top right corner to create your account.

NEW WEBSITE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
For $100/month your name and a link to the business or organization you would like to promote will be displayed prominently at the top of our website. Contact us at office@countryshul.org  if interested.

WELCOME TO RICHMOND HILL + CHESSED OPPORTUNITIES!
JIAS Toronto is looking for female volunteer(s), to meet with two Yazidi refugee sisters on a monthly basis. The sisters are in their late 20s and live in Richmond Hill. The volunteer would help them get oriented to their neighbourhood and the GTA generally. Some ideas of activities include taking them to the local public library or to hear some music in their neighbourhood. That said, it’s really flexible, depending on the volunteer’s interests and ideas. Please contact Rachel Levy Phone: 416-630-6481 ext. 5435 if you are able to assist.

Answers to last week's Mitzvah Riddle:
Q: What is the unique intro to the Mitzvah of Shemita, the Sabbatical year, in this week's Torah Reading, and what is its meaning?
 
ANSWER: There is a unique addition to the intro: "at Mt Sinai", which is curious; aren't all Mitzvot commanded at Sinai?! Why single out this one?! 
 
Rashi comments that the message is to teach us that not only are the Mitzvot in general from Sinai, but all the rules and regulations of the Mitzvah were spelled out at Sinai as well, just as the Mitzvah of the Seventh Year is fully spelled out in the Torah. 

This newsletter is sponsored by ‘Bingo World Richmond Hill www.rhhca.ca

From the desk of Rabbi Yosef Sanders:

From the desk of Rabbi Sanders:

Unsung Heroes
 
Last week, the Shul was privileged to host a Kiddush in honour of the first Yahrtzeit of Nechama bat Gershon, a woman who never married and had no family. A distinguished Yeshiva Rabbi took it upon himself to say Kaddish for the entire year, and hosted the Kiddush as well. 
 
This story calls to mind another, of a woman who collapsed on the street of a Israeli city, and was taken into a local Shul by passersby. 
 
She unfortunately did not recover, and a spontaneous effort took place to give her he final honours.  Literally thousands of people accompanied this unknown soul to give her a proper burial. 
 
Who was this woman? Apparently, she had been originally from the European city of Kosovo, where she had spared no effort to prepare women for burial in dignity. 
 
Heaven had arranged her proper honours in kind. 
 
A great Rabbi once said: Little people do big things. Big people do little things. 
 
I offered some advice to a young man seeking my opinion of an online debate he was having with a blogger out of Florida: Don't waste your time! Take the time you're spending on this and study some Torah! 
 
After I got off the phone, I reconsidered, and sent him a message: On second thought, scratch the study. Help your wife with the baby, and you'll be far ahead of the game!
 
Shabbat Shalom! 

Copyright © 2019 The Richmond Hill Country Shul, All rights reserved.
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(P) 905-709-7485  (E) office@countryshul.org

Our current location:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
9225 Bathurst Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 6C2
Canada

Our current mailing address:
The Richmond Hill Country Shul
P. O. Box 61524, Hillcrest Mall
Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 0C9